Maldives

Places in Maldives

• Ari

  Ari is a Maldivian atoll offering access to some of the Indian Ocean's best diving and snorkeling. The atoll is administratively split into North Ari (Alif Alif) and South Ari (Alif Dhaal), with multiple inhabited islands and upscale resorts scattered across its waters.

  Atlas entry

• Kuredu

  Kuredu is one of the larger tourist islands in the Lhaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, offering world-class scuba diving with strong currents that attract intermediate to advanced divers. The island features pristine beaches with private beach access, a full 9-hole golf course, and a spa offering various treatments.

  Atlas entry

• Maafushi

  Maafushi is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll where tourism is growing rapidly due to numerous hotels and guesthouses. Unlike nearby resort islands that charge premium prices, Maafushi offers budget-conscious travelers a chance to experience Maldivian island life with a bikini beach, diving, and water sports at a fraction of the cost.

  Atlas entry

• Malé

  This tiny capital packs narrow streets, colorful houses, and a strong communal feel onto an island only 1.87 km long and 1.5 km wide. Its compact footprint makes it a natural staging point for onward island transfers.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$49

  Best months

  Nov–May

• Mathiveri

  Mathiveri is a tiny inhabited island in North Ari atoll with only about 900 residents, offering a glimpse of local Maldivian life away from resort islands. The island provides basic guesthouses, water sports activities, and serves as a transit point for reaching nearby inhabited islands in the atoll.

  Atlas entry

• Rasdhoo

  Rasdhoo is the capital of Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari Atoll) with about 850 residents, offering a slower, more authentic Maldivian experience than resort islands. The island serves as a base for diving at nearby channels, snorkeling with mantas and reef sharks, and catching ferries to neighboring islands like Thoddoo, Ukulhas, and Himandhoo.

  Atlas entry

• Thoddoo

  Thoddoo is an isolated inhabited island in North Ari atoll, one of the larger islands by Maldivian standards—taking about an hour to walk around. It offers a rare glimpse into local Maldivian life away from expensive resorts, with friendly locals, fruit farms, and a designated bikini beach for tourists.

  Atlas entry

• Ukulhas

  This small Maldivian island is a diving-focused stop, only 1,025 m long and 225 m wide. Its compact scale makes walking, swimming, and guesthouse-arranged activities the core of a stay.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$55

  Best months

  Oct–May

• Vaavu

  Vaavu Atoll is one of the southern atolls in the Maldives that is open to tourism, offering a quieter alternative to the more commercialised resort islands. The atoll is renowned for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

  Atlas entry